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Bloomington, Indiana 47404
 

812.332.3643
fax 812.339.5595

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(877-743-2652)



15 Ways To Be
 SAFE at WORK

Here are the top 15 ways to avoid a
serious injury at work:

1. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FALLING
Falls from elevated locations account for 14% of all lost-time accidents and 33% of all construction site deaths.  Use a harness, insist on guardrails, and be aware of your surroundings.

2. WEAR A HARD HAT
Head injuries from falling and flying objects and from head impacts account for 3.2% of all lost-time accidents.

3. USE GROUND FAULT PROTECTION
Fatal electrocutions, electrical burns, fire explosions can all be caused by defective ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and missing or defective ground wires. Be sure to check the GFCI and the ground wire.

4. INSIST ON PROPER EXCAVATING AND TRENCHING PROCEDURES
A cave-in is the greatest risk in excavating and trenching. Protective systems must be installed and inspected daily. The excavated material and equipment should be set back at least two feet from the trench.


5. USE GUARDRAILS AND LADDERS ON SCAFFOLDING
OSHA regulations require that guardrails enclose all sides of a scaffold, including the ends. Use a safe access - such as a ladder.

6. WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
This includes equipment like eye, head, face, breathing and hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed shoes, safety belts, lifelines, lanyards and safety nets.

7. INSIST ON STAIR RAILS
Falls on stairs require medical treatment 65% of the time. Handrails are required on stairs above 30 inches or containing more than four risers. 

8. USE APPROVED CONTAINERS FOR FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Gasoline, paint thinner, acetone and other flammable and combustible liquids should always be stored in OSHA approved containers.

9. DO YOUR HOUSEKEEPING
Poor housekeeping can lead to trips, slips, falls, and cuts from construction debris, protruding nails, etc.  Keep the job site tidy.

10. USE PROPER BODY MECHANICS
A variety of injuries can result from improper body mechanics. Back injuries are often caused by improper lifting techniques.

11. GUARD EXPOSED STEEL REBARS
Construction workers can fall and impale themselves on exposed steel rebar.  Rebar caps should be installed on all exposed vertical rebar.

12. BE SAFE WITH COMPRESSED GAS WELDING AND CUTTING
Gas cylinders must be secured in and upright position to prevent them from falling. Fires and explosions can all result from improper and unsafe welding and cutting techniques.

13. EXTEND LADDERS AT LEAST 3 FEET ABOVE THE LANDING
Portable ladders should be extended to a height at least three feet above the landing surface to prevent slipping and collapsing.

14. USE EQUIPMENT PROPERLY
All sorts of injuries can result when hand tools, power tools, electrical equipment, vehicles, and excavating equipment are used improperly. At work, live by the old saying, “A tool for every job and a job for every tool”.

15. SLOW DOWN
Work accidents are often caused by the desire to hurry and get the job done. This can lead to improper shortcuts or carelessness - a sure recipe for disaster.

Source:  U.S.  Department of Labor.